Summary and Key Points: The A-10 “Warthog” is the plane the U.S. Air Force keeps trying to retire — and Congress keeps refusing to let go.
-Built around a massive 30mm GAU-8 Avenger cannon and a titanium “bathtub” cockpit, the Cold War tank-killer became indispensable for close air support in Afghanistan and Iraq.
-In the Iran War, it became a surprising drone-hunter — and even helped rescue a downed U.S. pilot.
-No other aircraft, Congress argues, can replace it.
-BONUS: We present our own video and photos of the A-10 Warthog from our visit to the National Museum of the U.